Smoothies are summer's delight

By Shirley Perryman Extension specialist

Posted:
06/20/2012 12:51:53 PM MDT

Malt shops were the rage in the 1950s. Whether you sat at the soda fountain or had your order delivered by a car hop, the frozen blended ice cream concoctions were a treat. Today smoothie shops are everywhere, serving a range from healthful fruit-based smoothies to calorie-dense frozen yogurt drinks.

A smoothie can replace a meal and is easy to make at home. Let your imagination be your guide to this nearly fool-proof, cold, blended beverage. The basic ingredients are a small amount (about one-half cup) of liquid plus fruit, plus other ingredients you could add, such as nuts, tofu or soft cheeses. In addition to utensils a blender is the only required equipment.

Fruit smoothies are a favorite of mine because they offer a variety of flavors depending on the ingredients you choose.

The caution flag should come out with certain ingredients:

You'll bump up calories by adding chocolate, honey, maple or agave syrup, and turbinado (sugar). Use these in moderation to temper the extra calories.

For those looking to increase the protein with eggs, avoid a food safety fiasco and use only pasteurized eggs or a pasteurized egg substitute.

What about those add-ins that are promoted as a way to increase the nutritional value of your smoothie? Some smoothie chains use these as a marketing gimmick to help you "burn fat," "cure a hangover," or "increase immunity." Turning your smoothie into a vitamin pill will put a dent in your wallet.

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Blue-green algae, bee pollen, and many other supplements do not have to be pre-approved by the Food and Drug Administration and have not demonstrated significant health benefit. These options may be an unnecessary addition and some could have harmful side effects.

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